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Reims steeped in history and Champagne

City offers a bubbly day trip from Paris

Dominating the Reims skyline is the Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Reims (Our Lady of Reims).

Photograph by: FRANCOIS NASCIMBENI
, Getty Images

France's bustling, modern Reims greets travellers with cellar doors wide open. As the capital of the Champagne region, it features a lively centre, a historic cathedral, and, of course, Champagne tasting. And thanks to France's slick high-speed rail, it's just 45 minutes from Paris - making it an easy day trip.

Reims has a turbulent history: This is where French kings were crowned, where Champagne first bubbled, where First World War devastation met miraculous reconstruction, and where the Germans officially surrendered in 1945, bringing the Second World War to a close in Europe. The town's sights give you an informative, entertaining peek at the entire story.

Start at Reims Cathedral - a glorious example of Gothic architecture and one of Europe's greatest churches. Built under the direction of four different architects, the church was started about 1211 and mostly finished just 60 years later. Thanks to this quick turnaround, it's remarkable for its unity and harmony. As a royal coronation site, it is to France what Westminster Abbey is to England.

For a memorable experience, join the crowd in front of the cathedral for a free, 25-minute, sound-and-light show on most summer evenings.

In addition to spiritual nourishment, Reims offers a more earthly delight - Champagne. Though many winegrowing regions in France produce sparkling wines, only the bubbly beverage from this region can be called Champagne.

While the ancient Romans planted the first grapes here, Champagne was not "invented" until the late 17th century, and then it was by virtue of necessity - the local climate and soil did not produce competitive still wines.

Reims offers many opportunities to visit its world-famous Champagne cellars. All charge entry fees, most have several daily English tours, and most require a reservation (only Taittinger allows drop-in visits).

Which should you visit? Mumm is closest to the city centre and train station, and offers one of the best tours in Reims. Reservations are essential, especially on weekends.

Rick Steves (ricksteves.com) writes European travel guidebooks and hosts travel shows on public television and public radio. Email him at rick@ricksteves.com and follow his blog on Facebook.

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